What do you think?
Rate this book
The First Law of the Bush
It’s a beautiful day to be alive, Bill Dickerson thought, seconds before he fell from the viaduct onto the jagged rocks below . . .
His awful death made national news. But still, one year on, Bill’s widow Carol has received no explanation about what happened. Was it suicide? An accident? Maybe murder?
So Carol hires lawyer Ryan Bradley in her fight for justice. Ryan has just returned to the remote town of Nashville after ten years away, so he’s in no position to turn down work.
Except the case seems hopeless from the start. Bill’s employer is denying responsibility, Carol’s friends are shunning her, and the only witnesses – co-workers Gav Coates and Wati Reynolds – can shed no light on the tragic fall. Even Senior Sergeant ‘Stinger’ Nettle is too busy turning a blind eye to Wati’s illegal schemes to dig deeper into the death.
But in small towns, nothing is quite what it seems. And for one Nashville resident the wrong question will come at a deadly price . . .
His awful death made national news. But still, one year on, Bill’s widow Carol has received no explanation about what happened. Was it suicide? An accident? Maybe murder?
So Carol hires lawyer Ryan Bradley in her fight for justice. Ryan has just returned to the remote town of Nashville after ten years away, so he’s in no position to turn down work.
Except the case seems hopeless from the start. Bill’s employer is denying responsibility, Carol’s friends are shunning her, and the only witnesses – co-workers Gav Coates and Wati Reynolds – can shed no light on the tragic fall. Even Senior Sergeant ‘Stinger’ Nettle is too busy turning a blind eye to Wati’s illegal schemes to dig deeper into the death.
But in small towns, nothing is quite what it seems. And for one Nashville resident the wrong question will come at a deadly price . . .
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
20 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2026
New Zealand, 1994. Ryan Bradley is a qualified lawyer, he’s moved back to Nashville in King Country and is dating Crystal a social worker.
Bill Dickerson worked for the railways, a year ago he plunged to his death while repairing the line on the viaduct, and his wife Carol is still waiting for answers, and a payout from the Accident Compensation Commission.
Carol hires Ryan to help her, there was an investigation but she’s not happy with the outcome, they won’t rule it an accident and think her husband committed suicide? Her friends didn’t rally around her after Bill’s death, she’s hurt, angry, confused and wants justice.
Ryan soon discovers the railways won’t accept any responsibility, and the only witnesses where his co-workers Gav Coates and Wati Reynolds and they stick to their original statements and that's they have no idea how or what caused Bill to plunged to his death. Nashville is getting smaller every year, and they don't want to lose their jobs repairing and maintaining the tracks.
Senior Sergeant ‘Stinger’ Nettle can’t understand why Ryan and Carol don’t accept the ruling and Senior Constable Lance Paterson is suspicious there’s corruption in town and stopping the truth from being revealed, he’s a friend of Ryan’s and will he share what he’s uncovered with his mate?
I received a copy of The First Law of the Bush by from Penguin Random House and in exchange for an honest review. Despite not reading Geoff Parkes previous book When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole, I had no trouble following his latest instalment.
All is not what it seems in Nashville, this place has links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and crime, lazy policemen who could be on the take and residents have secret gambling debts, longstanding friendships that mean nothing, and ask too many questions or stick your nose in someone else’s business could lead to you being silenced for ever.
An eerie and downright spooky book to read and I was hooked from the start, a mixture of good and bad characters, it wasn’t predictable and I certainly didn’t expect it to end the way it did.
I highly recommend for readers of crime/thrillers fiction and fans of Chris Hammer should check out Mr. Parkes novels and five stars from me.
Bill Dickerson worked for the railways, a year ago he plunged to his death while repairing the line on the viaduct, and his wife Carol is still waiting for answers, and a payout from the Accident Compensation Commission.
Carol hires Ryan to help her, there was an investigation but she’s not happy with the outcome, they won’t rule it an accident and think her husband committed suicide? Her friends didn’t rally around her after Bill’s death, she’s hurt, angry, confused and wants justice.
Ryan soon discovers the railways won’t accept any responsibility, and the only witnesses where his co-workers Gav Coates and Wati Reynolds and they stick to their original statements and that's they have no idea how or what caused Bill to plunged to his death. Nashville is getting smaller every year, and they don't want to lose their jobs repairing and maintaining the tracks.
Senior Sergeant ‘Stinger’ Nettle can’t understand why Ryan and Carol don’t accept the ruling and Senior Constable Lance Paterson is suspicious there’s corruption in town and stopping the truth from being revealed, he’s a friend of Ryan’s and will he share what he’s uncovered with his mate?
I received a copy of The First Law of the Bush by from Penguin Random House and in exchange for an honest review. Despite not reading Geoff Parkes previous book When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole, I had no trouble following his latest instalment.
All is not what it seems in Nashville, this place has links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and crime, lazy policemen who could be on the take and residents have secret gambling debts, longstanding friendships that mean nothing, and ask too many questions or stick your nose in someone else’s business could lead to you being silenced for ever.
An eerie and downright spooky book to read and I was hooked from the start, a mixture of good and bad characters, it wasn’t predictable and I certainly didn’t expect it to end the way it did.
I highly recommend for readers of crime/thrillers fiction and fans of Chris Hammer should check out Mr. Parkes novels and five stars from me.
January 26, 2026
This book is all about exactly what the title says. Bush Law. You dont rely on law , police or the courts to solve anything. You let the people sort it out amongst themselves. Poor Carol, his wife, no one was interested in helping her apart from Ryan the lawyer.
What I really loved about this book was the setting ( New Zealand) and the idea of the bush law in a small town.
The first half is very character based and moves at a slow pace. The Second half was faster paced and more action.
What I really loved about this book was the setting ( New Zealand) and the idea of the bush law in a small town.
The first half is very character based and moves at a slow pace. The Second half was faster paced and more action.
January 12, 2026
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A death in a small rural town in New Zealand a year ago is finally put back under the spotlight.
Bill Dickerson fell into a viaduct and it was deemed an accident.
No delving into the facts, no explanation or compensation for his widow.
Something is amiss in the town.
The widow feels ostracised and people are afraid to talk.
The death does not seem to be attracting the police attention it deserves.
Ryan has returned back to his hometown, with the lawyer instinct and a driving tenacity he delves for the truth and ruffles feathers.
Another missing person, arson and the collation of evidence spirals into a story that will have you guessing.
I enjoyed the New Zealand setting, the similarities and differences it has with Australia and a fast paced crime plot.
A death in a small rural town in New Zealand a year ago is finally put back under the spotlight.
Bill Dickerson fell into a viaduct and it was deemed an accident.
No delving into the facts, no explanation or compensation for his widow.
Something is amiss in the town.
The widow feels ostracised and people are afraid to talk.
The death does not seem to be attracting the police attention it deserves.
Ryan has returned back to his hometown, with the lawyer instinct and a driving tenacity he delves for the truth and ruffles feathers.
Another missing person, arson and the collation of evidence spirals into a story that will have you guessing.
I enjoyed the New Zealand setting, the similarities and differences it has with Australia and a fast paced crime plot.
January 12, 2026
Part thriller, part murder mystery The First Law of the Bush is a small town, rural noir that I found thoroughly enjoyable.
Set in New Zealand in the 1990s, each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, which I really enjoyed. It gives you more insight into the small town dynamics and what each persons motivations are, good, bad or otherwise. It’s tense, atmospheric and blends light and dark together seamlessly.
Overall an enjoyable and gritty read. Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for a copy to read.
Set in New Zealand in the 1990s, each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, which I really enjoyed. It gives you more insight into the small town dynamics and what each persons motivations are, good, bad or otherwise. It’s tense, atmospheric and blends light and dark together seamlessly.
Overall an enjoyable and gritty read. Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for a copy to read.
January 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
The First Law of the Bush… if you want something sorted, you do it yourself! 🫣
The First Law of the Bush is a thriller/murder mystery, where Bill Dickerson dies in the first chapter…
This book has 9/10 POV’s and whilst I really love multiple points of view, and it made sense to have them, the first 50% really dragged. I felt like I was getting so many days in the life/snippets of back stories but not much plot development. I do think it’s necessary after finishing the book but if I’m honest, I nearly dnf’d at the 50% mark.
However… I am so glad I persevered because the pay off was WORTH IT! From the 50% mark, this book hit and that plot twist towards the end, I did not see coming. I almost launched myself off the couch haha hubby even paused his show on tv to ask 😂 I genuinely thought the book was heading in a slightly different direction.
I really enjoyed Geoff Parkes style of writing. I found it easy to read and follow along. I think he was able to create some really solid character arcs, even with so many points of view and in a 350 page book, this is a feat in itself.
Overall, I am SO glad I stuck this book out because I definitely would have been missing out for sure!
Thank you so much to @penguinbooksaus for an advanced copy of this book.
The First Law of the Bush… if you want something sorted, you do it yourself! 🫣
The First Law of the Bush is a thriller/murder mystery, where Bill Dickerson dies in the first chapter…
This book has 9/10 POV’s and whilst I really love multiple points of view, and it made sense to have them, the first 50% really dragged. I felt like I was getting so many days in the life/snippets of back stories but not much plot development. I do think it’s necessary after finishing the book but if I’m honest, I nearly dnf’d at the 50% mark.
However… I am so glad I persevered because the pay off was WORTH IT! From the 50% mark, this book hit and that plot twist towards the end, I did not see coming. I almost launched myself off the couch haha hubby even paused his show on tv to ask 😂 I genuinely thought the book was heading in a slightly different direction.
I really enjoyed Geoff Parkes style of writing. I found it easy to read and follow along. I think he was able to create some really solid character arcs, even with so many points of view and in a 350 page book, this is a feat in itself.
Overall, I am SO glad I stuck this book out because I definitely would have been missing out for sure!
Thank you so much to @penguinbooksaus for an advanced copy of this book.
January 5, 2026
This one was dark, uncomfortable and quietly tense in a way that really worked for me. Set in a small New Zealand town in the 90s, The First Law of the Bush kicks off with a death that everyone wants to label as “simple” and move on from. Except nothing about it feels simple especially not for Bill’s widow Carol who just wants answers and keeps hitting brick walls.
I really liked how this story handled small town energy. Everyone knows everyone, people look the other way when it suits them and asking the wrong questions feels genuinely dangerous. There’s a constant sense of something being off even when nothing big is happening.
Ryan the lawyer was flawed, a bit out of his depth and not some slick hero who magically fixes everything. The pacing is slower and more atmospheric and while there were moments it dragged for me the tension was always there under the surface. This isn’t a flashy twist every chapter kind of book. It’s more about mood, silence and the ugly truths people don’t want dug up. I didn’t love every part but I was invested and the ending definitely stuck with me.
If you like rural noir, small town secrets and stories that feel grimy and real rather than polished, this is worth picking up.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC.
I really liked how this story handled small town energy. Everyone knows everyone, people look the other way when it suits them and asking the wrong questions feels genuinely dangerous. There’s a constant sense of something being off even when nothing big is happening.
Ryan the lawyer was flawed, a bit out of his depth and not some slick hero who magically fixes everything. The pacing is slower and more atmospheric and while there were moments it dragged for me the tension was always there under the surface. This isn’t a flashy twist every chapter kind of book. It’s more about mood, silence and the ugly truths people don’t want dug up. I didn’t love every part but I was invested and the ending definitely stuck with me.
If you like rural noir, small town secrets and stories that feel grimy and real rather than polished, this is worth picking up.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC.
January 22, 2026
Having recently read the first novel by Geoff Parkes, titled ‘When the Deep Dark Bush swallows you Whole’, this subsequent offering set ten years later in time, reestablished Ryan Bradley as the protagonist drawn into situations that cast doubt on the integrity and motivation related to suspicious actions of local citizens including Sergeant Stinger Nettle and Wati Reynolds. The narrative juxtaposed the conduct of reputable individuals like Mayor Wendell Smith and lawyer Ryan Bradley against those of Stinger and Wati drawing distinctions between selfish as opposed to altruistic actions and decisions. The writing structure again was engaging- short sharp chapters keeping reader interest and engagement by providing regular input on all characters. The reestablishment of relationships between characters introduced in the earlier book, especially Crystal and Lance Peterson, now a Senior Constable gave additional context to both this particular narrative and the small town of Nashville that formed the setting for both accounts. Located in the rural heartland of the North Island of New Zealand it provided familiarity with places I had previously visited including Auckland, Rotarua and Lake Taupo.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“The first law of the bush,’ said Wati.
‘Sorry?’
‘It’s an old saying from around here,’ explained Wati. ‘Don’t rely on the law and the police and the courts. Let people sort things out for themselves, how they’re supposed to be sorted.”
The First Law of the Bush is the sophomore crime novel from New Zealand author Geoff Parkes, with loose links to his debut novel When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole.
A year after Bill Dickerson plunged to his death from the viaduct he was repairing, his widow seeks the help of local lawyer Ryan Bradley to appeal the Railways refusal to pay her compensation after an open finding. In need of the work, Ryan agrees to look into case, and while everyone, including the local police sergeant, is adamant that whatever happened, it was the result of Dickerson’s own actions, something about the incident doesn’t seem quite right. Ryan’s concerns ties in with those of his friend, Senior Constable Lance Peterson who is beginning to suspect Sergeant ‘Stinger’ is protecting the deadly secrets of more than one town resident, and that they will do anything to keep them.
I think it’s fair to say that The First Law of the Bush is slow to start, Parkes shifts perspectives between several characters which effectively lays the foundation for later events, but delays the pace. It does pick up about halfway through though, and I was invested in the unraveling of the secrets of this rural New Zealand community.
There are no big surprises in the story as such but there is plenty of intrigue between Dickerson’s suspicious death, his intimidating colleague, a nervous baker, a withdrawn teenage girl, and an arrogant police sergeant.
The characters of the town, even the minor ones, feel authentic. Ryan is a good guy with a strong sense of justice, anxious to do the right thing by everyone, including the people of his hometown. Despite his experience with tragedy though he’s perhaps a little naive, which plays a role in events.
The First Law of the Bush is well written and the tone is an interesting mix of dark and light. There is often an undercurrent of unease and even menace in the story, but there are also flashes of wit, and even small town wholesomeness.
Best described as rural noir, The First Law of the Bush is an engaging read, exposing the darker side of small town life.
‘Sorry?’
‘It’s an old saying from around here,’ explained Wati. ‘Don’t rely on the law and the police and the courts. Let people sort things out for themselves, how they’re supposed to be sorted.”
The First Law of the Bush is the sophomore crime novel from New Zealand author Geoff Parkes, with loose links to his debut novel When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole.
A year after Bill Dickerson plunged to his death from the viaduct he was repairing, his widow seeks the help of local lawyer Ryan Bradley to appeal the Railways refusal to pay her compensation after an open finding. In need of the work, Ryan agrees to look into case, and while everyone, including the local police sergeant, is adamant that whatever happened, it was the result of Dickerson’s own actions, something about the incident doesn’t seem quite right. Ryan’s concerns ties in with those of his friend, Senior Constable Lance Peterson who is beginning to suspect Sergeant ‘Stinger’ is protecting the deadly secrets of more than one town resident, and that they will do anything to keep them.
I think it’s fair to say that The First Law of the Bush is slow to start, Parkes shifts perspectives between several characters which effectively lays the foundation for later events, but delays the pace. It does pick up about halfway through though, and I was invested in the unraveling of the secrets of this rural New Zealand community.
There are no big surprises in the story as such but there is plenty of intrigue between Dickerson’s suspicious death, his intimidating colleague, a nervous baker, a withdrawn teenage girl, and an arrogant police sergeant.
The characters of the town, even the minor ones, feel authentic. Ryan is a good guy with a strong sense of justice, anxious to do the right thing by everyone, including the people of his hometown. Despite his experience with tragedy though he’s perhaps a little naive, which plays a role in events.
The First Law of the Bush is well written and the tone is an interesting mix of dark and light. There is often an undercurrent of unease and even menace in the story, but there are also flashes of wit, and even small town wholesomeness.
Best described as rural noir, The First Law of the Bush is an engaging read, exposing the darker side of small town life.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was immediately hooked on this tense and atmospheric rural thriller.
Refreshingly set in Lake Taupo, New Zealand, I loved the small country town setting, everyone knowing each other...and each other's business. Sometimes they'd turn a blind eye if they didn't like what they saw...at other times, they'd deal with things in their own way, using "the law of the bush".
The beauty of Lake Taupo made a nice contrast to the sinister things going on amongst its inhabitants.
Ryan, the very new, very green lawyer trying his best to uncover the truth, is a great character with depth and integrity, very keen to do the right thing. I also liked his supportive partner Crystal, a social worker, who also became involved in the case. Carol and Bill were also interesting, constantly keeping you guessing as to their next moves.
I definitely recommend it! I'm now looking forward to reading more of Geoff's books.
4.7 ⭐️'s
Refreshingly set in Lake Taupo, New Zealand, I loved the small country town setting, everyone knowing each other...and each other's business. Sometimes they'd turn a blind eye if they didn't like what they saw...at other times, they'd deal with things in their own way, using "the law of the bush".
The beauty of Lake Taupo made a nice contrast to the sinister things going on amongst its inhabitants.
Ryan, the very new, very green lawyer trying his best to uncover the truth, is a great character with depth and integrity, very keen to do the right thing. I also liked his supportive partner Crystal, a social worker, who also became involved in the case. Carol and Bill were also interesting, constantly keeping you guessing as to their next moves.
I definitely recommend it! I'm now looking forward to reading more of Geoff's books.
4.7 ⭐️'s
January 10, 2026
This is not for me. I acknowledge the skill. Good story, believable characters, well-established setting playing its part and a main character worth following. Against that is my impatience with multiple viewpoint narratives, my impatience to cut to the chase and a dislike of noir. I skimmed. My rating reflects my acknowledgment rather than my reaction.
The dates should both be 10 Jan - the calendar does not seem to take account of time in Australia!
The dates should both be 10 Jan - the calendar does not seem to take account of time in Australia!
January 22, 2026
i'd say 3.5; but don't be fooled bc i actually really enjoyed this book i just think i'm getting back into crime slowly
January 29, 2026
Audiobook
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews